Free printable
The cruise packing checklist
This is the real list I pack from, grouped so nothing important gets left behind. Tick the boxes on screen, or print it and check things off as you pack. No printer? Save it as a PDF.
Documents and money
- Passport or ID (check the expiry well ahead)
- Cruise boarding documents and luggage tags
- Travel insurance details (printed and on your phone)
- Credit cards and a backup card stored separately
- Small local cash for ports and tips
- Room key lanyard and an RFID travel wallet
Cabin setup
- Magnetic hooks for the steel walls
- Over-the-door hanging organizer
- Non-surge power strip with USB (check your line's rules)
- Stick-on motion-sensor nightlight
- Small clip-on fan
- Pop-up laundry hamper
Clothes and formal night
- Casual day outfits you can mix and match
- Two swimsuits (one is always still drying)
- Quick-dry swimsuit cover-up
- Packable cardigan or wrap (dining rooms run cold)
- One or two dressy outfits for formal night
- Foldable flats and comfortable walking shoes
- Packable rain jacket
- Compression packing cubes and wrinkle release spray
Pool and port days
- Reef-safe sunscreen (cheaper than buying onboard)
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
- Waterproof, floating phone pouch
- Packable daypack and an anti-theft crossbody bag
- Refillable water bottle or insulated tumbler
- Hat and sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Daily medications (in your carry-on, not checked)
- Mini first-aid and meds kit
- Motion sickness bands or remedy
- Hand sanitizer for before every meal
- Leakproof travel bottles for toiletries
- Sleep mask and earplugs
Tech
- Phone, charger, and a slim power bank
- The cruise line app (download before you lose signal)
- Headphones
- Camera and any extra batteries
Carry-on (you'll need these before your bags arrive)
- Swimsuit and a change of clothes
- Medications and toiletries for day one
- Sunscreen and the lanyard
- A valid ID and your boarding documents
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